World-renowned trumpeters. Recommended trumpet players who are active on the global stage.
Who comes to mind when you think of trumpet players?
In jazz, you might think of Louis Armstrong or Miles Davis; in the classical world, perhaps Matthias Höfs or Sergei Nakariakov.
We also can’t leave out Wynton Marsalis, often acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest trumpeters in both jazz and classical music.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous trumpeters who are active on the world stage.
We’ll feature artists across jazz and classical, regardless of gender or nationality, and we hope you’ll find a new favorite player as you read.
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World-famous trumpeters: Recommended trumpet players active on the global stage (11–20)
Variations on a Theme of the Carnival of VeniceSergei Nakariakov
Sergei Nakariakov is a trumpet player renowned for his astonishing virtuosity in the classical world.
Born in 1977 in Russia, he began playing the trumpet after a traffic accident in his childhood.
Since his CD debut at 15, he has earned global acclaim.
In 2002, he received the ECHO Klassik award, and he continues to captivate audiences with his wide-ranging, cross-genre repertoire and beautiful tone.
He is also known for performing the theme music for an NHK morning drama series and has expanded his activities to include film appearances.
He is a highly recommended artist not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience.
Violin Concerto in G major, Op. 3 No. 3, RV 310Matthias Höfs
Matthias Höfs is a world-renowned German trumpeter.
Born in 1965, he began playing the trumpet at age six and, at eighteen, was appointed principal trumpet of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra.
He spans a wide range of genres—from classical and baroque to contemporary music—and is highly acclaimed for both his technique and expressiveness.
His work with German Brass, which he joined in 1985, has been outstanding, and in 2016 he received the ECHO Klassik Award.
As an educator, he has dedicated himself to training the next generation and has served as a professor at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre since 2000.
His innovative performances and involvement in instrument development have opened new horizons in trumpet music.
He is a recommended artist not only for classical music fans but also for anyone seeking to explore the possibilities of music.
Someone to Watch Over MeTakahashi Atsushi
Atsushi Takahashi, known as one of Japan’s leading trumpet players, serves as principal trumpet of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and focuses primarily on classical music.
He is also active as a soloist and chamber musician, and has released multiple albums on Octavia Records’ CRYSTON label.
Takahashi’s performances are renowned for their brilliant technique and rich expressiveness, earning high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
His May 2019 album “Trumpet Sing!” captivated audiences with beautiful renditions of famous pieces from opera and musical theater.
His long-standing partnership with pianist Kiyotaka Noda is likewise widely supported by fans.
With a repertoire that spans from classical to popular music, Takahashi’s performances are highly recommended for music lovers.
Alone Alone and AloneHino Terumasa
Terumasa Hino is one of Japan’s most renowned jazz trumpeters.
He began his career in the 1960s and has captivated many fans with performances that are both delicate and powerful.
He drew attention with his 1967 album “Alone, Alone and Alone,” and later based his activities in the United States.
In 1989, he became the first Japanese artist to sign with Blue Note Records, establishing his international reputation.
He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2004.
With a broad expressive range spanning traditional jazz to innovative sounds, he even ventured into collaborations with DJs in 2011.
He is a recommended artist not only for jazz aficionados but also for those interested in new music.
mythKami Shū
Osamu Kamishiro is a world-renowned trumpeter Japan is proud of.
Centered on classical music, he is active across a wide range of genres, from jazz to contemporary music.
He joined the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1990 and honed his skills as associate principal trumpet.
His numerous awards testify to his ability, including First Prize at the 4th Japan Wind and Percussion Competition in 1987 and a Special Prize at the Prague Spring International Music Competition in 1992.
His solo CD album “Gentle Stream” received high acclaim, being selected as a Specially Recommended Disc by the magazine Record Geijutsu.
Beyond his work as a performer, Kamishiro is also active as an educator and researcher, making significant contributions to Japan’s music world.
His rich tone and wide expressive range are sure to captivate not only classical music fans but listeners across genres.
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 3, No. 9, RV 230Hyangmin Baek
A rising star in the world of classical music, Hyangmin Baek is a trumpet player from South Korea.
She began playing the trumpet at the age of 18 and quickly blossomed as a talent.
In September 2018, she drew international attention by becoming the first Korean trumpeter to advance to the second round of the finals at Germany’s ARD International Music Competition.
In addition to her achievements as a soloist, she has also earned high praise as a principal player in orchestras.
On YouTube, she can be seen performing works by Bach and Vivaldi on the trumpet, captivating many fans with her technique and musicality.
She is highly recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but also for music lovers eager to discover new talent.
Famous trumpeters of the world. Recommended trumpet players active globally (21–30)
Eternal StoryTine Thing Helseth
A young female classical trumpet player born in Oslo, Norway, in 1987.
She enjoys overwhelming popularity across Europe and has performed as a solo trumpeter with numerous orchestras.
In 2007, she opened the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Oslo, a performance broadcast worldwide.
She also collaborated with Yasuto Tanaka—concertmaster of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and a saxophonist—on the ending theme “Eternal Story” for the TV Tokyo program “Bi no Kyojin-tachi” (The Giants of Beauty).
While the UK’s Alison Balsom is a well-known female trumpeter, she is likewise expected to achieve great success as a leading female trumpet soloist.